Eastern governments, businesses study AEC economics

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Eastern Seaboard government and business leaders debated how increasing development, manufacturing and public-private cooperation can lead to greater prosperity under the ASEAN Economic Community at a seminar sponsored by Chonburi Province.

Gov. Khomsan Ekachai opened the Jan. 20 workshop at the Tide Resort, which featured lectures and brainstorming sessions on AEC issues.

Gov. Khomsan Ekachai opens the ASEAN Economic Community seminar at the Tide Resort.Gov. Khomsan Ekachai opens the ASEAN Economic Community seminar at the Tide Resort.

Khomsan noted that the Eastern Seaboard has the greatest potential to benefit from the common market that launches next year. The eastern region accounts for 13.48 percent of Thailand’s gross domestic product and the average revenue generated per resident is 3.5 times greater than the national average at 584,987 baht.

Thanin Pha-aem, deputy secretary of the Office of National Economics and Social Development Board opened the session before attendees split into groups to discuss specialized subjects.

Assistant Professor Thaweesak Thepphithak from Burapha University spoke on utilizing provincial and state potential to construct a production base for competition.

Chadchai Dee-aum, a consultant to Trat Province, discussed development of the border-region economy in connection with neighboring countries’ economic activities.

Chantaburi Deputy Gov. Kalnarong Pongcharoen spoke on strengthening regional development mechanisms, particularly the Integrated Provincial Administration Committee and Public-Private Joint Committee to Resolve Economic Issues.

Finally, Chonburi academics Prathan Surakitbuan and Montree Thonwiwat discussed roles and activities of state groups in connection with national strategies framed by regional cooperation and ASEAN cooperation.